Long term hemodialysis aggravates lipolytic activity reduction and very low density, low density lipoproteins composition in chronic renal failure patients

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Dyslipidemia, particularly hypertriglyceridemia is common in uremia, and represents an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>To investigate the effects of hemodialysis (HD) duration on very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) compositions and lipopolytic activities, 20 patients on 5 to 7 years hemodialysis were followed-up during 9 years. Blood samples were drawn at T0 (beginning of the study), T1 (3 years after initiating study), T2 (6 years after initiating study) and T3 (9 years after initiating study). T0 was taken as reference.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Triacylglycerols (TG) values were correlated with HD duration (r = 0.70, P < 0.05). An increase of total cholesterol was noted at T2 and T3. Lowered activity was observed for lipoprotein lipase (LPL) (-44%) at T3 and hepatic lipase (HL) (-29%) at T1, (-64%) at T2 and (-73%) at T3. Inverse relationships were found between HD duration and LPL activity (r = -0.63, P < 0.05), and HL activity (r = -0.71, P < 0.01). At T1, T2 and T3, high VLDL-amounts and VLDL-TG and decreased VLDL-phospholipids values were noted. Increased LDL-cholesteryl esters values were noted at T1 and T2 and in LDL-unesterified cholesterol at T2 and T3.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Despite hemodialysis duration, VLDL-LDL metabolism alterations are aggravated submitting patients to a greater risk of atherosclerosis.</p

Clinical Use and Therapeutic Potential of IVIG/SCIG, Plasma-Derived IgA or IgM, and Other Alternative Immunoglobulin Preparations

Intravenous and subcutaneous immunoglobulin preparations, consisting of IgG class antibodies, are increasingly used to treat a broad range of pathological conditions, including humoral immune deficiencies, as well as acute and chronic inflammatory or autoimmune disorders. A plethora of Fab- or Fc-mediated immune regulatory mechanisms has been described that might act separately or in concert, depending on pathogenesis or stage of clinical condition. Attempts have been undertaken to improve the efficacy of polyclonal IgG preparations, including the identification of relevant subfractions, mild chemical modification of molecules, or modification of carbohydrate side chains. Furthermore, plasma-derived IgA or IgM preparations may exhibit characteristics that might be exploited therapeutically. The need for improved treatment strategies without increase in plasma demand is a goal and might be achieved by more optimal use of plasma-derived proteins, including the IgA and the IgM fractions. This article provides an overview on the current knowledge and future strategies to improve the efficacy of regular IgG preparations and discusses the potential of human plasma-derived IgA, IgM, and preparations composed of mixtures of IgG, IgA, and IgM

Effects of whole body chronic 50 Hz sinusoidal weak magnetic field exposure on the rat pituitary hormones

We have investigated whether functions of pituitary gland change when the rats are exposed to sinusoidal magnetic fields at dark. In this study, 26 Wistar Albino rats were divided into two groups as experimental (n=14) and sham group (n=12). Experimental was exposed to 0.75 mT sinusoidal magnetic field procuded by Helmholtz coils and sham group was housed between inactivated Helmholtz coils, for one month. After one month Animals were sacrificed and their blood were taken. Serum hormone levels were determined by Radioimmunassay method. In exposed group, serum cortisol TSH, FSH and prolactin concentration did not statistically changed according to sham exposed group (p>0.05), but Growth Hormone and testesterone levels statistically changed (p<0.05)

Radiopacity of bulk fill flowable resin composite materials

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiopacity of currently marketed bulk fill flowable dental composite materials (Beautifil Bulk Flowable, SDR Flow, Filtek Bulk Fill Flow, and x‑tra Base Bulk Fill).Materials and Methods: Six specimens of each material with a thickness of 1 mm were prepared, and digital radiographs were taken, using a CCD sensor along with an aluminum stepwedge and 1 mm‑thick tooth slice. The mean gray level of each aluminum stepwedge and selected materials was measured, using the equal‑density area tool of Kodak Dental Imaging software. The equivalent thickness of aluminum for each material was then calculated by using the stepwedge values in the CurveExpert version 1.4 program.Results: The radiopacity of bulk fill flowable composites sorted in descending order as follows: Beautifil Bulk Flowable (2.96 mm Al) = x‑tra base bulk fill (2.92 mm Al) = SureFil SDR Flow (2.89 mm Al) &gt; Filtek Bulk Fill Flow (2.51 mm Al) (P &lt; 0.05).Conclusions: As all materials had a radiopacity greater than dentin and enamel; their adequate radiopacity will help the clinicians during radiographic examination of restorations.Clinical Significance: Bulk fill composite materials have greater radiopacity, enabling clinicians to distinguish the bulk fill composites from dentin and enamel.Key words: Bulk‑fill flowable, composite, radiopacit

Radiopacity of bulk fill flowable resin composite materials

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiopacity of currently marketed bulk fill flowable dental composite materials (Beautifil Bulk Flowable, SDR Flow, Filtek Bulk Fill Flow, and x-tra Base Bulk Fill). Materials and Methods: Six specimens of each material with a thickness of 1 mm were prepared, and digital radiographs were taken, using a CCD sensor along with an aluminum stepwedge and 1 mm-thick tooth slice. The mean gray level of each aluminum stepwedge and selected materials was measured, using the equal-density area tool of Kodak Dental Imaging software. The equivalent thickness of aluminum for each material was then calculated by using the stepwedge values in the CurveExpert version 1.4 program. Results: The radiopacity of bulk fill flowable composites sorted in descending order as follows: Beautifil Bulk Flowable (2.96 mm Al) = x-tra base bulk fill (2.92 mm Al) = SureFil SDR Flow (2.89 mm Al) > Filtek Bulk Fill Flow (2.51 mm Al) (P < 0.05). Conclusions: As all materials had a radiopacity greater than dentin and enamel; their adequate radiopacity will help the clinicians during radiographic examination of restorations. Clinical Significance: Bulk fill composite materials have greater radiopacity, enabling clinicians to distinguish the bulk fill composites from dentin and enamel

Effects of whole-body chronic microwave exposure on some hormones of variously treated rats

To investigate the effects of chronic whole-body microwave exposure, on serum Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), thyroxin (T-4), triiodothyronine (T-3), Cortisol, Growth Hormone (GH), Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Estradiol concentrations, Wistar-albino female rats without treated and treated Vitamin C and Vitamin E were exposed to Microwave (MW) with a frequency of 9.450 MHz at the power density of 2.65 mW/cm(2) with corresponding specific absorption rate of 1.80 W/kg for 1h/day during 21 days. Vitamin C (150 mg/kg/day) and Vitamin E (150 mg/kg/day) were administrated during last seven exposure days to MW+Vit.C (n=8) and MW+Vit.E (n=8) groups respectively. Rectal temperatures were measured in all female rats. Serum levels of GH and FSH decreased (p0.05). T-3 and T-4 hormones of exposed rats were found to be significant at MW +Vit.E group according to MW group (p<0.05). Rectal temperature differences were found to be significant in experimental groups according to sham group (n=8) (p<0.05). It was concluded that the changes of hormone concentrations under study was consistent with MW-induced thermal stimulation of Hypothalamic-Hypophysial-Adrenal (HHA) and Hypothalamic-Hypophysial-Thyroid (HHT) activity and Vitamin E might play role in changing T-3 and T-4 hormones

Effect of nonionizing radiation on plasmid DNA of E.coli puc9

The present experiment was carried out to investigate whether 9450 MHz and 2450 MHz microwave exposure (MW) affect to the plasmid DNA of Escherichia coli puc 9 or not. Suspensions of E.coli puc 9 were exposed to microwave radiation at 2450 MHz (55,110,165,220 and 275 W for 30 and 60 second) and 9450 MHz (2.65mW/cm(2) for 10,20,40 and 60 minutes). However, plasmid DNA of E.coli puc 9 were also exposed to 9450 MHz (10,20,40 and 60 minutes) and 2450 MHz (55,110,165,220 and 275 W for 30 and 60 second) Microwave. After exposures of E.coli puc 9, the plasmid DNA were isolated and evaluated by AGE assay. We found that amount of plasmid DNA was not changed in 9450 MHz and 2450 MHz MW exposure. The difference of temperatures between before and after 2450 MHz MW exposures were found to be significant (P<0.01). It was concluded that E.coli puc 9 plasmid DNA was not affected by 9450 MHz and 2450 MHz Microwave radiation

Effect of chronic low-intensity microwave radiation on sperm count, sperm morphology, and testicular and epididymal tissues of rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic microwave exposure on sperm count, sperm morphology, and the morphology of rat testis and epididymes. Continuous wave microwave radiation (9450 MHz) specific absorption rate 1.80 W/kg and power density 2.65 mW/cm(2), was administered for 1 h a day for 13, 26, 39, and 52 days, which corresponded to 1, 2, 3, and 4 cycles of seminiferous epithelium, in mature male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were sacrificed under Ketalar anesthesia the day after exposure. Then epididymal sperm count, sperm morphology, and the weights of testis, epididymes, seminal vesicles, and prostate were determined. Histologic examinations of testis and epididymes were performed. The parameters were compared with sham groups. Epididymal sperm count decreased significantly only in the 52-day exposure group (p < 0.05). The percentage of abnormal sperm count changed significantly in the 26-, 39-, and 52-day exposure groups (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.001, respectively). The weights of testis and epididymes also changed significantly in the 26-, 39-, and 52-day exposure groups (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.05, respectively). Necrotic tubules, interstitial edema, perforated and necrotic tubules, decrease of spermatogenesis, and absent germinal epithelium in some tubules were observed in the exposed rat testes. In addition, we observed atrophy, interstitial edema, mononuclear cell infiltration, and increased fibroblastic activity in the exposed rat epididymes. We concluded that epididymal sperm count and morphology and weight and morphology of testis and epididymes were affected by chronic prolonged microwave exposure. The incidence of symptoms mentioned here depended on exposure duration